Fancy Facades: The Parties of The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby brings a new party, crowd, and conflict for three chapters.  These parties evoke complex feelings of tension and awkwardness as well as fascination and joy.

Chapter 1 detailed Nick attending a small party at Daisy’s and Tom’s mansion in East Egg.  Upon arrival, Nick was entranced by their property.  Their mansion was, “a cheerful red and white Georgian Colonial...overlooking the bay.”  Their yard was exquisite, running from the shore to the back porch of their ivy-accented house.  The breezes of the evening washed over the property, seeming to clean it of impurity and leave a friendly aura that temporarily masked the upcoming tension of the party.

Three people are important.  Tom can be described as an arrogant, coarse, abusive racist that is constantly seeking something better.  Daisy is Tom’s wife and Nick’s second cousin.  Although she may come across as shallow and ditzy, this is only because of her outward facade, masking her depth of character and quelled vitality.  Not to mention, she is a hit with the men.  Jordan Baker is Daisy’s friend and a professional golfer, has a lean build, and is a confident woman.

When Nick arrives, Tom brags about the property and leads Nick inside.  Here, Nick is greeted by Daisy.  Jordan is also laying on the couch with Daisy, but does not introduce herself.  When dinner is served, they eat on the back porch.  Daisy notices her finger is bruised and blames Tom for it.  He gets upset when she taunts him, showing underlying tension.  Tom breaks into a proud discussion about the racist book he is reading until he gets interrupted by a call from his mistress.  He goes inside to take the call and Daisy follows.  Jordan explains the situation to Nick as Daisy and Tom come back outside in an argument.  The environment is very uncomfortable.

The party in chapter 2 arose after Tom wanted to introduce Nick to his mistress, Myrtle.  The party takes place in the small, top floor apartment that Myrtle and Tom have together in the city.  The gaudy, tapestried furniture seems too big for the space.  The smoky air adds to the atmosphere of the party.

Myrtle is the party’s catalyst.  She is a thick-bodied, complement-seeking, energetic woman who changes her personality to fit each situation.  She invited her sister Catherine and the McKee’s.  Catherine is a thin, pale, redhead who loves to gossip.  Mr. McKee “[is] a pale, feminine man from the flat below.”  He is a photographer as well as a respectful man.  Mrs. McKee is somewhat pretty yet irritating.

The characters are drunk throughout this party.  Myrtle is the center of attention, as Nick described her growing presence.  The McKee’s brag about Mr. McKee’s photography until the conversation shifts to why Myrtle and Tom hate their partners; Catherine was the main person telling lies about Daisy, and Myrtle got defensive in the conversation.  The night ended with Myrtle and Tom getting into an argument, and Tom broke Myrtle’s nose.

Chapter 3 ushered in a different environment, as Gatsby’s backyard party is extravagant and huge.  The night is lit by hundreds of lights and the decadent foods beg to be noticed on the buffet tables.  The orchestra is playing music for the countless young women and men who mostly invited themselves.  Laughter, chatter, and dancing ramps up as the night progresses into its darker hues.  

Nick meets many people.  The few that stand out are the girls in yellow, Owl Eyes, and Jay Gatsby.  The girls in yellow are very talkative and embody the flapper girl persona.  They are bubbly, like to gossip, and have a good time.  Owl Eyes is a drunken man who’s fascinated by Gatsby’s book collection.  Gatsby, although rich and the subject of frivolous gossip, seems understanding and relatable.  His questions and expressions seem genuine.  Gatsby is not one to steal the spotlight, as he tends to keep to himself or have intimate conversations with small groups.

Nick arrives and asks around to meet Gatsby.  He feels out of place and quite lonely until he meets up with Jordan, who acts like she could care less if Nick is with her or not.  They wander around the party and mingle with guests as the party ramps up.  When they try to find Gatsby, they come across Owl Eyes, who sheds light on Gatsby’s character.  Then they find Gatsby and talk to him, even though Nick is unaware it’s him at first.  Nick and Gatsby bond over their time at war in France.  When Nick realizes that he is talking to Gatsby, Gastby is extremely understanding and shows a comforting smile.  Later, Jordan is asked by Gatsby to speak privately.  She exits with great news, showing that Gatsby is secretive yet impactful.

If I had to attend one of these parties, I would go to Gatsby’s party.  First off, there are no verbal and physical altercations like in Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 respectively.  Even though the large party might have made one feel lonely at first, it would have been easy to fit in, as many people were mingling and talking to one another.  Also, at a larger party, one can escape uncomfortable situations, whereas at smaller ones, you are stuck in that environment unless you outright leave.  Also, the extravagant and jovial atmosphere of the party would provide a great view into the 1920s rich lifestyle.